[Bush Foundation](https://www.bushfoundation.org)

Rolling (applications accepted at any time)

Up to $150,000 per grant; very limited number of awards annually

Flexible funding for unique, collaborative, and innovative projects addressing significant needs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations in the region.

Program is highly selective; only a few grants awarded each year.

--- ## Description The Partnership Fund from the Bush Foundation is designed for unique situations and flexible funding needs that do not fit into the foundation's other programs. Its purpose is to enable collaboration with other funders and organizations to address significant challenges or community crises, attract additional resources to the region, and provide seed funding for innovative efforts that align with the Foundation’s strategy and values. The Fund is intended to be responsive to pressing issues and opportunities, especially those requiring cross-sector or multi-organization collaboration. Typical uses include: - Collaborating with other funders to address regional crises or challenges (e.g., pandemic relief, local information needs). - Attracting other resources to Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations (e.g., matching funds for federal programs). - Providing start-up or seed funding for efforts that align with Bush Foundation priorities but fall outside existing grant programs. This Fund is not intended for emergency budget shortfalls, single-organization needs that are not unique, or projects eligible for other Bush Foundation open competitive grants. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no set deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $150,000 per grant. - The Foundation awards a very limited number of grants through this program each year. - Annual grantmaking cap for the program is $1.5 million. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must serve communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and/or the 23 Native nations sharing this geography. - Eligible proposals must address needs not covered by other Bush Foundation grant programs. - The Fund prioritizes collaborative, cross-sector, or multi-organization initiatives. - Not for single-organization budget emergencies or projects that fit existing Bush Foundation competitive programs. --- ## Application Process - Submit a brief description of your proposal (maximum 400 words) by email to [staff@bushfoundation.org](mailto:staff@bushfoundation.org). - Clearly outline the unique need, collaborative approach, and alignment with Bush Foundation strategy and values. - Proposals are reviewed by Foundation staff, with a highly selective process and limited awards. --- ## Additional Information - The Partnership Fund was formerly known as the President’s Innovation and Partnership Fund. - Since its inception in 2012, the Fund has supported a wide variety of high-impact initiatives, including pandemic response, leadership network development, and efforts to increase access to federal funds. - The Fund is intended to be flexible and responsive, but is not a “side door” to Bush Foundation funding for projects that fit other programs. --- ## External Links - [Partnership Fund program page](https://www.bushfoundation.org/opportunities/partnership-fund/) - [Bush Foundation funding for organizations](https://www.bushfoundation.org/funding-for-your-organization/) - [Background and evolution of the Partnership Fund](https://www.bushfoundation.org/learnings/working-beyond-ourselves-the-presidents-innovation-and-partnership-fund/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [staff@bushfoundation.org](mailto:staff@bushfoundation.org) | | Phone | 651-379-2249 | | Online Contact | [Contact form](https://www.bushfoundation.org/contact-us) | | Address | 101 Fifth Street East, Suite 2400, Saint Paul, MN 55101 |

Partnership Fund - Bush Foundation

Sign in to see full grant listing